Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

Oh yeah, I forgot they sneak those 4 stroke single 690cc engines through scrutineering every week.
"Hey how come that KTM race bike sounds like a tractor and mine sounds like crazy frog?" :)

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

the same reason the 848 and 1098 are more expensive than the technically more capable GSXR / Blade etc etc

have KTM even announced prices yet? considering they're testing the bike in a different frame than the one they'll be using for production it's a little early to be speculating don't you think?:p

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

you asked for racing history, not a history of single cylinder 4 stroke racing bikes

and the 690 engine is actually 654cc;)

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

As you say it'll probably develop a cult following. KTM might be the first to cash in on a niche market- there are buyers there waiting for it, so it makes sense for them.. You're right- logically, you'd have a ss600 over the rc4 every time if you bought with your head- why pay over the odds for less power? And how many of us buy with our heads?

There are probably lots of people who'd want this.. Those that are coming off a 1000cc because they want to keep their license, lady riders.. It may be a stepping machine for some- first big bike, that sort of thing. And then somebody like me- happy with the power, just wants better handling.

It may fall down on the marketing sides of things. It'll have a good power/weight ratio, but how many people will just look at the BHP figure and say, "Not enough"?

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

It all boils down to what your idea of fun truly is without letting outside influences affect you. If in your formula of fun top speed is very instrumental and of high importance than this type is not going to cut it for you. My argument is that most people buy a bike more to project an image for themselves than for actually having better fun from riding it.

We have maybe assumed with needing an inline four or a v4 to have a machine of quality but maybe a single would can also be a quality machine for a given criteria of riding pleasure. The ss 600's and 1000's have been honed to perfection through years of development and have got to a stage when the latest bike wouldn't make you any faster, a better rider or give you more fun than last year's bike. Maybe if they start to develope smaller engines they can achieve the same level of quality for a different market.

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

I think KTM would find their sales would rocket if they produced an adventure touring bike using their 690 lump. Putting it up against BMW's ideas, and up against the slower Yamaha 660 versions, it would be a big hit.
Ive heard some very good things about the 690 engine, and the more I hear, the more encouraged I am to go out and actually give one of these a test ride, probably the SM (cant afford the 690 Duke, cant really afford the SM!). I love ugly bikes, and thats what the SM is. I think the RC4 could bomb even though it could be a great bike for the road, just because people think Singles are high maintenance or slow. How many SS600 addicts would move over to it? Its all about marketing really. If KTM heavily market the bike like Triumph have with their ST, then it could work.

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

But most of the folk who buy the BMW and XT and stuff like that just want a bulletproof, crashable road bike anyway.

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

I think this bike looks awesome and I would love to see it made and on sale...but before people get their hopes up, didn't KTM take about 6 years from announcement of the RC8 to when it actually went on sale? :confused:

Could be a while before it gets released!

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

so theoretically, it shouldn't ever be dismissed as a 'rushed' project :)

Re: KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?
 

concept bike appeared in 2004-2005, RC8 appeared in 2008